Positioning tool and system

ABSTRACT

A positioning tool for repositioning adjacent objects in mutually spaced, coplanar relation, such as the ends of a so-called endless belt or chain, is used to facilitate their coupling/uncoupling. The tool has a fixed head portion for attachment to one end of the belt or chain, and a travelling portion for attachment to the other end that is to be repositioned, with parallel links to maintain the fixed and the travelling heads parallel. The gripping heads may be replaceable. A threaded jacking bolt connects the fixed and moving tool portions and applies the required jacking force. For rubber belts the attaching claws are inclined at about 22 degrees from the normal, to ensure grip and to avoid belt delamination. A range of tool widths and types may include provision for use as a wheel or pulley puller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. This invention is directed to a positioning tool for use in selectively changing the relative distance between a pair of adjacent bodies, and to a system for applying the tool; and in particular to an embodiment for moving the two ends of a belt, chain and other objects into a predetermined spatial relationship, to facilitate the carrying out of further acts involving these objects.

[0005] 2. In the case of endless belts, as used for power transmission between a pair of pulleys, or as conveyor belts, the assembly or re-assembly of a disassembled belt is usually difficult and time consuming.

[0006] In many situations, the two ends of a belt are manhandled together, being frequently in a tensioned condition requiring the application of considerable force, in order to bring the two belt ends together for mutual coupling engagement.

[0007] Such belts use fasteners such as “Alligator” (T.M.) end fittings that are stapled to the respective belt ends.

[0008] The ends are pulled into mutual engagement, permitting the insertion of a transversely extending pin or rod into “lacing” relation through the interdigitated end fittings, to effect a coupling. In addition to the initial installation of a belt, re-installation may arise due to breakage of the belt, or the need to shorten a belt that has become unduly stretched. New belts are generally subject to significant stretching when first brought into use. A belt may range in transverse size from a few inches to several feet in width, and may have considerable mass, possibly being sag-looped under its own self-weight over a number of intervening support pulleys, so as to require the application of considerable tensile force to effect the necessary mutual positioning, in order to enable the coupling together to be completed. In view of the close tolerances and accurate interfit required between the two halves of such couplings, considerable difficulty exists, and several pairs of hands are frequently required in order to effect reconnection. One manufacturer has provided a belt punch, for punching holes in a belt, through which bolts may be inserted, for the attachment of a “come-along” ratchet-and-cable pulling device, for pulling the two belt ends together. Quite apart from the weakening of the belt with the holes, this solution is somewhat ineffective, as the end fittings may not readily align. Another onsite solution is for a welder to cut scrap steel plate and make up a set of clamps that can be bolted to the sides of the belt ends, enabling a come-along to be attached, to pull the belt ends together. This also may be unsatisfactory, due to belt distortion that results from the manner of attachment and tensioning.

[0009] The “Alligator” end fittings are not suited for utilization as a temporary holding medium, and efforts to so use them can readily lead to damage of these end fittings that seriously and adversely affects the use of the belt.

[0010] A typical real-life scenario, illustrative of the need for improved belt reconnection, is that of a produce processing plant at harvest time, when the belt drive to one of the machines on the processing line fails, thereby bringing the whole line to a halt.

[0011] With an ever-growing line-up of trucks waiting to discharge their loads, and having repaired, shortened, or cut a replacement belt to length and installed the requisite Alligator end fittings, then follows the tedious, time-consuming process of manhandling the belt into position and forcibly manoevering the end fittings into registry, for reconnection. Clearly, any time saving that can be made is important.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a tool for engaging the opposed ends of a so-called endless belt or chain, for drawing the two ends into predetermined spatial relation so that they can be readily coupled together.

[0013] In the case of a belt, the interconnection of the ends may be by way of an “Alligator” coupling, wherein a transverse rod is inserted in shearing relation between interdigitated portions of the coupling.

[0014] In the case of a chain, a coupling link is inserted that joins two adjacent end links of the chain; a keeper plate being then applied to the coupling link, and a locking spring applied, to secure the keeper plate.

[0015] The subject tool may be a special purpose tool, intended solely for use with either a rubber belt, or with a chain. However, a multi-purpose positioning tool may be provided having a number of removable attachment heads that enable its use as a positioning device in a wide range of situations, including with belts, chains, pipe ends (as for welding joints), and including use as a wheel or pulley puller.

[0016] The removable tool heads may be in a range of widths, to handle belts, such as of 8, 16, 24 or 32 inch width, or greater.

[0017] In the case of flexible beltings which are laminated constructions built up of layers that include rubber or plastic with fibers such as nylon, attachment of the tool to the surfaces of the belt is achieved by the use of jaws equipped with sharp claw points to penetrate and grip the belt. It has been found that a working jaw for use with belting may have as few as two claw points in mutually spaced relation across the jaw

[0018] The use of penetrating claw points is highly critical. In order to achieve a secure grip, the penetrating claw points require to be forwardly raked, such that the application of a tensile load in the plane of the surface of the belt tends to draw the claw into deeper engagement with the structure of the belt. However, too high an angle of rake can result in delamination of the belt.

[0019] It has been found that a rake angle of about 22 degrees from the normal (perpendicular) is effective.

[0020] It will be understood that the transverse size of the tool jaws is related to the width of the belt that is being engaged.

[0021] The subject positioning tool has parallel links and a jacking bolt joining the fixed and moving post portions by which the relative spacing between the tool jaws is adjusted.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the parallel links consist of a pair of mutually parallel slide rods along which a movable tool post portion travels, as displaced by a jacking bolt located between the slide rods. Loads as high as 700 lbs were found to be readily applied.

[0023] It will be understood that pivoted scissor links may be used as a parallel linkage, connecting the movable post portion of the tool with the fixed portion, in combination with a jacking bolt.

[0024] In the tool embodiment incorporating a wheel puller capability, the jacking bolt has a conical end, and the movable tool post has a pair of threaded apertures at its ends, for the attachment of puller eye-bolts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Certain embodiments of the invention are described by way of illustration, without limitation thereto other than as set forth in the accompanying claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a positioning tool embodiment for use with a belt;

[0027]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, to a much smaller scale, showing one manner of use of the subject positioning tool, in reconnecting a belt;

[0028]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a removable tool head portion of the positioning tool, for use in spacing adjacent pipe ends;

[0030]FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, of a pushing tool head,

[0031]FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively perspective and side elevation views of a removable tool head for use in ccoupling and uncoupling chains; and,

[0032]FIG. 8 is a front elevational view to a smaller scale of an alternative embodiment tool moving post portion for use also as a wheel puller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a positioning tool 10 in accordance with the present invention has a stationary post 12, and a moving post 14. The moving post 14 is slidably mounted upon a pair of guide rods 16, which are secured to, and project at right-angles from the stionary post 12. A threaded jacking bolt 18, having a hexagonal driving head 20 is rotatably mounted in the post 12, being secured by a roll pin 22. A washer 24 is shown.

[0034] The moving post 14 is connected in threaded relation with the bolt 18, such that rotation of the bolt 18 produces corresponding displacement of the post 14 in sliding relation along the guide rods 16, so as to maintain the posts 12 and 14 in mutual parallel relation at all times. This in turn maintains unchanged the orientation of the tool heads, despite changes in relative displacement between the posts 12 and 14.

[0035] The posts 12, 14 are of square section, having removable tools 30 slidably mounted thereon.

[0036] The tools 30 each have a square socket portion 31 to provide a snug sliding fit with the respective posts 12 and 14, and carrying an elongated blade portion 32. Each blade portion 32 is illustrated as having a pair of claw points 34 in widely spaced mutual relation (see FIG. 3). The claw points 34 are preferably inclined at an angle of rake of about 22 degrees from the vertical. It will be understood that a larger number of claw points 34 may be used with blades 32.

[0037] The claw points 34 are inserted in penetrating relation into a belt 36, shown in phantom in FIG. 1. The tools are positioned close to the respective Alligator coupling halves 38.

[0038] In use, the claw points are readily inserted into the surface of the belt by lightly tapping on the top of blade portion 32.

[0039] A toggle bar 40 may be used to rotate the jacking bolt 18, to draw the Alligator coupling halves 38 into mutually meshing relation such that a locking rod (not shown) can be slid into locking relation therethrough.

[0040] Also, a power tool may be used, or a ratchet wrench, to rotate the hexagonal driving head 20, in operating the tool 10.

[0041]FIG. 3 also shows the manner by which the Alligator halves 38 are secured by staples 39 to the belt 36.

[0042]FIG. 2 shows the manner of use of a positioning tool 10, being mounted upon a plain belt 36 that is supported on a pulley 42. It will be understood that the belt 36 may be of considerable length, possible extending over a number of intermediate supporting guide pulleys (not shown), and requiring considerable tractive effort being applied by the tool 10 in order to enable reconnection of the belt ends, by drawing of the Alligator halves 38 into mutual, interdigitated relation, to align their apertures such that a locking rod can be inserted in securing relation therethrough.

[0043] While only plain belts have been illustrated, it will be understood that belts incorporating centering V-groove elements on their underside are equally susceptible of use with the tool 10.

[0044] Turning to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, these illustrate additional types of tool, to be used in pairs with the positioning tool 10, each having a square socket portion 31 to fit the respective posts 12, 14.

[0045] The FIG. 4 tool 50, being one of a pair, has a slender disc 52, suitable for inserting as a pair initially held in facing contact by way of the tool 10, between mutually adjacent large pipe ends which require to be forced apart, preparatory to applying a closure butt weld, to join them. Prior practice usually involves the application of a number of tack welds for the same purpose of holding apart the pipe ends during application of the closing weld.

[0046] The FIG. 5 tool 54 has a pushing blade 56, being one of a pair, and suitable for pushing apart a pair of objects lying in adjacent relation, such as steel plates, etc.

[0047]FIGS. 6 and 7 show front and side views respectively of a chain-pulling tool 60, being one of a pair, having a projecting curved tooth 62 attached to the front face of the socket portion 31, and sized for insertion into a link of the chain being pulled.

[0048] In the instance of both the chain puller 60 and the belt puller 30, the positioning tool 10 can be employed to de-tension a chain or belt respectively, so as to facilitate its dissassembly.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 8, the moving post portion 14′, in addition to apertures 66 for the guide rods 16 and threaded aperture 68 for the jacking bolt 18, has a pair of threaded apertures 70, to receive eye-bolts (not shown) in threaded relation therein, for use as a wheel or pulley puller. 

1. A positioning tool for repositioning two mutually adjacent objects in spaced, coplanar relation, the positioning tool having a first fixed portion for engagement with a first said object, and a second, travelling portion for engagement with a second said object that is to be repositioned relative to said first object, said positioning tool having parallel links connecting said first and second portions to maintain constant the relative orientation between said fixed and said travelling portions.
 2. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 1, said first and second portions each having a tool head portion for engaging a respective said adjacent object.
 3. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 2, said tool head portions being replaceable.
 4. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 3, said tool head portions including inclined engagement means for use in penetrating relation with the ends of a looped transfer medium.
 5. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 4, wherein said inclined engagement means includes claw means for use in penetrating relation with a belt.
 6. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 4, wherein said inclined engagement means includes a tooth for use in penetrating relation with the link of a chain.
 7. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first portion has downwardly depending claw means to engage a flexible belt in surface-penetrating relation therewith.
 8. The positioning means as set forth in claim 7, said claw means having a forward rake, being inclined at an angle in the range of 20 to 30 degrees from the vertical.
 9. The positioning means as set forth in claim 8, said forward rake being about 22 degrees from the vertical.
 10. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first portion has downwardly depending tooth means to engage a chain in link-penetrating relation therewith.
 11. The positioning means as set forth in claim 10, said tooth means having a forward rake, to positively engage and retain said link in engaged relation.
 12. The positioning means as set forth in claim 3, each said tool head portion including a square socket portion having a slender disc positioned outwardly therefrom, and projecting below said socket portion, to enable engagement thereof with an edge of a said object.
 13. The positioning means as set forth in claim 3, said tool head portion having a square socket portion, with a laterally extending blade portion projecting from both sides of said socket portion.
 14. The positioning means as set forth in claim 13, said blade portion being inclined from the vertical with a forward rake, to promote stable engagement of the blade portion with a said object.
 15. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 1, said travelling portion having a pair of apertures to receive said parallel links in entered relation therein; a threaded aperture to receive jacking bolt means in threaded relation therein, and at least one threaded aperture to receive puller bolt means in threaded attached relation therewith.
 16. The positioning tool as set forth in claim 15, having two said threaded apertures in mutually spaced relation for said puller bolt means.
 17. The method of re-coupling the ends of an endless belt, consisting of the steps of locating the ends of the belt on a substantially smooth surface; engaging end portions of the belt located in mutually adjacent relation, by way of gripping means; drawing said gripping means along a linear path to move said belt ends along said surface into predetermined, mutually interengaging relation; and inserting coupling means in securing relation with the two ends of said belt.
 18. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said step of engaging with gripping means includes the insertion of claw means into a penetratable surface portion of said belt, at an angle of inclination predetermined to promote a firm grip by said claw of said belt, while substantially precluding delamination of said belt. 